Committee on the Environment

The Hayward Library & Community Learning Center  by Noll & Tam Architects took a wider approach when considering their new library building in relation to existing surrounding infrastructure. By relocating the library to what was then an adjacent surface parking lot, the current site could be reclaimed as public additional public park space while converting the existing basement into a rainwater cistern. The new site was situated next to a parking ramp that allowed the addition of solar panels for energy creation and rainwater collection. The almost campus like approach allowed for the project to have greater impact on the community and expand a pedestrian focused urban central node while achieving net zero energy, LEED Platinum, and water reuse goals. 

The MASS MoCA Building 6 by Bruner/Cott Architects skillfully edits an existing historic mill building into a volumetric art gallery expansion for the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. With a light touch, the old mill is transformed. The insertion of “fat” gallery walls house building systems, allowing the volume of the existing space to remain. By focusing on using the existing via strategic editing, material reuse and the embodied carbon story shine. Features such as a bike path that literally carves through the building emphasize this project’s connection to the museum’s 13-acre site and to the overall community. 

The PAE Living Building  by ZGF Architects proves that “you can do well by doing good.” The project set out to show that a building that provides everything it needs and more, focuses on the health and wellbeing of all, and shares information and lessons to push others to follow suit, is good for business. Achieving Living Building Certification, the project has an impressive list of metrics, building systems, and human centric design strategies that demonstrate regenerative design. Impressively, it is the first project of its kind to be built in a developer driven model. 

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund by MASS Design Group designed and built this campus to teach about conservation and preservation of gorillas in Rwanda. Taking cues from the gorilla’s native habitat and utilizing local materials, craft, and labor, this project is a study on the impact a project can have on a community and site. By acting as general contractor, Mass Design trained construction trades to locals, worked with local artisans and cooperatives to fabricate furniture, and paid special attention to the many lessons the project could highlight with elements focusing on not just the gorillas, but about biodiversity, wastewater treatment, and climate change, to name a few.  

The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center at Drake University by BNIM shows what inclusive and universal design looks like. Utilizing design best practices focused on creating equitable experience and use, this project celebrates is name sake’s mission to empower and connect a diverse group of people with factual information to drive policy. A key design feature being a celebrated central ramp that connects the two floors of the building in lieu of stairs. Project research into strategies for inclusive design was cataloged and documented into a design guidebook for all to use.  

The Thurston Hall Renovation by VMDO is a fantastic example of showing how historic structures can retain their storied character yet be transformed into modern day, useful spaces. By strategically removing an upper portion of the building to allow more sunlight into the central light well, the design focuses inward to the central courtyard. Creating outdoor spaces at multiple levels that promote student health and wellbeing now looks like it should have always been. Diverse programming spaces to offer students variety in their living space have been logically spread throughout the building. Post occupancy results prove the many successes of this renovation.  

The USG Biomedical Sciences & Engineering Education Building  by Lake|Flato Architects uses biophilic design strategies to maximize occupant experience in this light and lab filled building. A central six-story atrium acts as a wayfinding and collaboration spine between heavily programmed masses. The exterior environment is brought through the central atrium to promote a greater connection to nature and to strengthen the design of spaces for various learning styles. Daylight and views abound, this project shows that program intensive lab and science buildings can be occupant focused, perform efficiently, and promote a greater connection to nature.  

The Pacific Landing Affordable Housing by TIGHE Architecture set goals high, aiming for far better performance than what is typically seen in this project typology. Achieving net zero energy and LEED Platinum through all electric systems, improved thermal performance, and on-site renewable energy generation and rainwater harvest. Taking what was the site of a former gas station and creating 37 homes for the disadvantaged population as well as providing social services on the grade level, the project fills an important need and sets the bar for future development of its kind. 

There is no way to capture the true depth of each of these projects in this brief summary, so be sure to check out more about each of the winners at aia.org/cote-top-ten-award-2024 and be on the lookout for additional COTE Top Ten highlights and case studies. 

 Lyndley Kent, AIA, LFA is an Architect and Principal at Neumann Monson Architects in Des Moines, Iowa. Her work has garnered national and regional recognition, including a 2021 AIA Iowa Young Architect Award and a 2021 AIA COTE Top Ten Award for the adaptive reuse of a historic factory building. Recently, she led the sustainable design efforts for the firm’s first Living Building Challenge project and spearheaded the firm’s pursuit and renewal of their Just Label. Outside Neumann Monson, Lyndley serves as the 2024 AIA Iowa Board Treasurer, is in her second year on the AIA COTE Leadership Group and is leading the workstream for the AIA COTE Top Ten awards program.